#mandalaybus

[thrifty-eats-blog]

Parmesan chili waffle fries ($9) and vegetarian samosas ($9) from the Mandalay Bus, Braddon. 

[thrifty-eats-blog]

Review: Mandalay Bus

I finally got around to the mind-blowing Mandalay Bus.  I will straight up say: these guys make seriously good food.  The night L and I set out for the bus was bitterly cold, but the food was hot, heaters were set up and the bus itself shielded us from the wind.  

The menu is almost entirely $10 or less, with most meals being $9.  The meals are mega sized as well, so you get great value for money, regardless of what you choose.  From the specials board, we ordered the parmesan chili waffle fries to share, and from the regular dishes we chose the vegetarian samosas.  

The waffle fries were the good kind of greasy, packed with flavour, properly crunchy on the outside and soft in the centre, with plenty of potato to go ‘round.  The parmesan was bitey, and had a vintage taste that you don’t often find on fries.  The chili was a pleasant level of spicy, especially considering the weather, and the dish was topped with fresh spring onion.  The shape of fries were half-waffle, half-crinkle-cut-chip, which added texture, an important feature for a dish where the main ingredient is the versatile potato.  The waffle shape collected the sauce, cheese and salt, making them perfect vessels for toppings.  

The vegetarian samosas were filled with peas, potato and beans.  The filling was similar to a mash though, so I may be completely wrong.  Either way, the mash was encased in glorious, golden, super crispy pastry. While I’m awful at taste-testing and guessing spices correctly, I can rightly say the samosas were full of flavour.  They were topped with rock salt, sour cream (or yoghurt? I actually have no idea - but it was amazing) and fresh herbs.  

L said he was most incredibly impressed with the place, and will definitely endeavour to return. 

With big portions, big flavours and a bus with big personality, the trip to the Mandalay Bus was definitely worth the cold weather.  Check them and their antics out on Facebook.